Foot bath c. 1850 - 1860

This earthenware foot bath was created by Lyman, Fenton & Co., a pottery manufacturer active in the late 19th century. The object might seem like a simple vessel, but consider for a moment the cultural history of cleanliness and leisure it evokes. In a time when daily bathing was not common for all, foot baths were a practical and intimate ritual. They transcend mere hygiene, offering a moment of personal care. This foot bath reminds us of the Victorian era's complex relationship with the body and domesticity. The aesthetics of this foot bath, with its mottled brown glazing, speak to the era’s fascination with nature and the Arts and Crafts movement’s emphasis on handmade beauty. The foot bath is more than just an object, it is a vessel that carries stories of care, comfort, and the quiet moments of everyday life.